Speak Out against Violence and Killings in Gaza

Ask Canada to call for an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza and take an international leadership role in negotiating just peace.

An elderly Palestinian man falls on the ground after being shot by Israeli troops during a deadly protest at the Gaza Strip’s border with Israel, east of Khan Younis, May 14, 2018.

Credit:

Associated Press/Khalil Hamra

The United Church stands in solidarity with Israeli and Palestinian partners in condemning the recent violence against the unarmed protestors in Gaza.

On May 14, 2018, at least 55 unarmed demonstrators (including six children) were killed by Israeli soldiers during protests along Gaza border, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Ministry also stated that 1,204 Palestinians were shot and wounded, while 1,200 others suffered other types of injuries.

“It is imperative that we establish the facts of what happened in Gaza, especially given the shooting of Canadian doctor Tarek Loubani,” Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland stated on May 22. “That is why Canada is calling for an independent investigation to ascertain how the actions of all parties concerned contributed to these events, including reported incitement by Hamas.” Moderator Jordan Cantwell wrote a letter to Minister Freelandon May 24 supporting Canada’s pledge to take part in an independent investigation and asking that Canada provide leadership in realizing a just and negotiated peace in the region.

In a May 16th statement, Prime Minister Trudeau stated that Canada is “appalled” at the loss of life in Gaza and called the reported use of excessive force and live ammunition “inexcusable.” Trudeau called for an end to the violence, an immediate, independent investigation, and a two-state solution that is mutually agreed upon by Palestine and Israel. The United Church is encouraged that Trudeau’s comments go further(in content and tone) than previous statements on violence in Gaza, and is heartened by Canada’s pledge to assist in the investigation that will address this serious situation.

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Background

The United Church of Canada has a long history of working with partners to seek peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. This work is rooted in our gospel mandate to be peacemakers, and in response to the calls of Palestinian and Israeli partners. Violent acts such as the killing of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, the Israeli police and army’s use of excessive force against protesters, extrajudicial killings, and collective punishment are all obstacles to a just and lasting peace.

“We were shocked about the number of innocent casualties and the hundreds of people injured as they protested non-violently on the Gaza border,” said The Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) of the Middle East Council of Churches (a long-term Mission & Service partner). “The current siege on the Gaza Strip must end,” says the DSPR. “A people that is under control is not a free people.” Additionally, seventeen Israeli human rights and civil society organizations have jointly called on Israel“to immediately refrain from the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians,” saying that, for years, Palestinians living in the Gaza strip have “lived on the verge of a humanitarian crisis.”

According to the Association of International Development Agencies, the eleven-year blockade has imposed direct and severe damages upon the entire population of the Gaza Strip. Israel controls the borders between Gaza and the outside world, and keeps them closed most of the time. This prevents the passage of people and goods, in contravention of agreements signed by Israel. The siege of the Gaza Strip is a form of collective punishment and a violation of international humanitarian law. Imposed upon every resident of the Strip, the blockade denies its residents access to work, vital goods, and medical care, as well as basic human rights.